Experiences of Academic Staff in Using Threshold Concepts within a Reformed Curriculum

Rodger, Sylvia; Turpin, Merrill; O'Brien, Mia

Studies in Higher Education, v40 n4 p545-560 2015

Threshold concepts were used to underpin a major curriculum reform endeavour in occupational therapy. After rigorous interrogation of troublesome knowledge and ensuring that the emergent concepts conformed to the five characteristics of previously proposed threshold concepts, we identified five threshold concepts. Two years into the rollout of the new curricula, academics participated in two focus groups. Questions focused on staff members' perspectives regarding their use of threshold concepts, and how students engaged with the threshold concepts in assessment activities. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using standard qualitative analysis techniques. Peer and member checking ensured the accuracy of interpretations. Three key themes emerged: (1) staff engaged in threshold crossings; (2) threshold concepts conferred many benefits; and (3) students' professional identity evolved. Study limitations and implications for embedding of the threshold concepts in curricula generally and particular courses more specifically will be discussed.